Wake Forest playgrounds closed this weekend for maintenance

Several Wake Forest playgrounds will be closed this weekend at various times as a contractor works to make some general improvements.

Ruben Wall, the town's parks, recreation and cultural resources director, said no new equipment will be added to the parks. Instead, crews will make some changes to platforms; adjust steps; and replace rusting parts. Luckily, the improvements will be covered by the equipment's warranty.

"We were right at the mark of the warranty expiring and we contacted them because the work had to be done," Wall said.

The playgrounds won't all be closed at once, Wall said. Work at all but one of the playgrounds should take about two to four hours. Repairs to the playground at Ailey Young Park, 800 E. Juniper Ave., could last about two days. The playgrounds will be closed at some point from Friday, Jan. 16, to Monday, Jan. 19.

Here's the list of other playgrounds to see improvements:

Plummer Park, 965 Jones Wynd

Only the playgrounds will be closed. Public access to the greenways and other park features will continue. Signs will be posted with information.

Wall said he knows it's never a good time to close a playground, but the parks aren't as busy in the winter months when the cold weather keeps families inside.

"I've got two young boys and my wife would have my head if I closed them down in the spring and summer," he said. "It's never an ideal time, but if we're going to do it, this is a better time."